A review by dejnozkova
The White Album by Joan Didion

informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I enjoyed Joan Didion’s observations of the world around her, and how she seemingly doesn’t have much of an agenda other than to see and notice what’s in front of her. I know some criticism against her essays includes the claim that she appears self-absorbed. But honestly I think reading her perspective and her life alongside major cultural events and local politics brings these matters into a more relatable light. Because who doesn’t view the world through their own eyes and their own experiences? This book has challenged some of my views of social movements and provided valid observations and critiques of American politics and pop culture. 

I also enjoy Didion’s writing style. While elegant and sophisticated, her style flows with a natural voice that is both relatable and demands respect. She is a reflective and thoughtful writer that is easy to digest. 

I think my own personal critique is that I had a hard time fully discerning a point or purpose, or having a thoughtful or emotional response to some of these essays. And knowing that these essays are largely observational (because as she says, she writes to understand because otherwise nothing quite makes sense), I wonder if I’m either missing the point or if something is actually missing? I still recommend this book and find it a good read because I guarantee you will find at least one or two pieces you’ll be turning over in your head for days after you’ve read them. Didion has a way of lingering.